Las Vegas PTSD Therapy
*Warning: This is not medical advice. Do not self-diagnose. If you are struggling with what you suspect is a mental health disorder, please contact a licensed mental health professional. If you are located in Nevada, you can schedule an appointment with us. If you are not located in Nevada, we recommend using Psychology Today and/or your insurance provider to find a qualified professional to help you.
Patient Guide to Trauma Treatment
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What is Trauma?
Trauma refers to any deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms the nervous system’s capacity to process and recover. Traumatic experiences often create feelings of helplessness, fear, or horror—and they can profoundly reshape how a person views themselves, others, and the world.
Not all trauma leads to PTSD, and not all trauma is dramatic. In fact, trauma can be “Big T” (e.g., war, physical assault) or “little t” (e.g., emotional neglect, toxic relationships). What matters most is the subjective experience of the event—how it impacted the person’s emotional and physiological well-being.
Types of trauma include:
Acute Trauma: Resulting from a single incident, such as a car crash or assault
Chronic Trauma: Repeated or prolonged exposure, such as domestic violence or childhood neglect
Complex Trauma: Exposure to multiple traumatic events, often in early development
Secondary or Vicarious Trauma: Affects caregivers or professionals who witness others’ trauma
Common Signs You or a Loved One Is Suffering from Trauma
The effects of trauma are not always immediate. Symptoms may emerge weeks, months, or even years after the event. They may be psychological, emotional, or physical—and they often interfere with relationships, work, and everyday functioning.
Here are common signs of trauma-related distress or PTSD:
Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event
Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma
Emotional numbing or detachment from others
Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on edge
Nightmares or recurring distressing dreams
Sudden anger or irritability, often disproportionate to the situation
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Feeling helpless, hopeless, or ashamed
Physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach pain, or muscle tension
Loss of trust, especially in people or institutions
Children and adolescents may exhibit trauma differently—through regression, acting out, or somatic complaints.
If these symptoms persist for more than a month and cause significant distress, it may indicate PTSD.
PTSD Symptom Checklist from American Psychiatric Association
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What Are the Most Effective Therapies for PTSD?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps people process and integrate traumatic memories. During EMDR sessions, the therapist guides the client to recall distressing events while engaging in bilateral stimulation (often side-to-side eye movements).
This process reduces the emotional charge of traumatic memories and supports the brain’s natural healing mechanisms. EMDR is highly recommended by the APA and WHO for the treatment of PTSD.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD
CPT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy specifically developed for trauma. It focuses on identifying and challenging “stuck points”—rigid or inaccurate beliefs developed in response to trauma, such as “I should have stopped it” or “The world is completely unsafe.”
Through structured writing and thought exercises, CPT helps people reframe trauma-related thoughts and reduce distress.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) for PTSD
Somatic Experiencing addresses the physiological effects of trauma. It teaches clients to notice and regulate bodily sensations associated with trauma, such as tension, numbness, or restlessness. By gently guiding the nervous system out of a chronic “fight, flight, or freeze” state, SE supports emotional healing through physical awareness.
This body-based therapy is especially helpful for people whose trauma symptoms manifest as chronic stress, pain, or disconnection from their bodies.
Psychiatric Medication Options for Depression
SSRIs (e.g., Sertraline, Paroxetine)
The first-line medications for PTSD are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline (Zoloft) and Paroxetine (Paxil) are FDA-approved for PTSD and work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, helping to regulate mood, anxiety, and sleep.
These medications may take several weeks to be fully effective and are most beneficial combined with therapy.
SNRIs (e.g., Venlafaxine)
Venlafaxine (Effexor XR), an SNRI, is sometimes prescribed for PTSD, especially when depressive symptoms are prominent. It affects both serotonin and norepinephrine levels and may be useful for patients with both trauma and chronic anxiety.
Prazosin (for Nightmares)
Prazosin is an alpha-blocker commonly used to treat nightmares and sleep disturbances associated with PTSD. While it doesn't treat all PTSD symptoms, it can significantly reduce trauma-related sleep issues for many patients.
Ketamine and Esketamine (Spravato)
Ketamine, administered via infusion or intranasal spray (Esketamine/Spravato), is being increasingly used for treatment-resistant PTSD. Its rapid antidepressant effects can offer relief from severe symptoms, though it’s not a first-line treatment and requires careful monitoring.
Lifestyle Changes That Support Trauma Treatment
Healing from trauma is a long-term process—but there are supportive strategies that can reduce symptom severity and promote recovery:
Create Predictability
Trauma disrupts a person’s sense of safety. Establishing daily routines, consistent sleep patterns, and structure can help restore that stability.
Exercise and Movement
Regular physical activity can discharge excess nervous energy and release endorphins. Yoga, walking, dancing, or martial arts can all help regulate the nervous system.
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques
Practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and grounding rituals help reconnect the mind and body. These tools can reduce flashbacks, dissociation, and panic responses.
Connect with Safe People
Relationships can be a powerful source of healing. Seeking support from trauma-informed professionals, support groups, or trusted loved ones can reduce isolation and shame.
Reduce Sensory Triggers
Learning your trauma triggers and minimizing unnecessary exposure can help you avoid unnecessary reactivation. Use tools like white noise machines, blackout curtains, or weighted blankets to create a calming environment.
Avoid Substance Use as a Coping Strategy
Alcohol or drugs may seem like an escape, but they can intensify trauma symptoms over time and delay emotional healing.